Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning the passing of veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela, hailing him as a broadcasting icon whose voice shaped Kenya’s radio and television landscape for decades.
In a heartfelt message of condolence, the President expressed the country’s deep sorrow, describing Mbotela as a “gifted and powerful broadcaster” whose distinctive voice and first-class commentaries captivated audiences nationwide.
“We are heartbroken by the death of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela. He was a gifted and powerful broadcaster whose alluring voice dominated our airwaves with his first-class football commentaries and the signature programme Je Huu Ni Ungwana? Mbotela will fondly be remembered for the integral role he played in our radio stations, including mentoring young broadcasters,” Ruto said in a statement on X.
We are heartbroken by the death of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 7, 2025
He was a gifted and powerful broadcaster whose alluring voice dominated our airwaves with his first-class football commentaries and the signature programme “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?”
Mbotela will fondly be… pic.twitter.com/YhvFb79QAD
The Head of State further acknowledged Mbotela’s immense contribution to Kenya’s media industry, noting that his mastery of the craft left an indelible mark on generations of journalists. He extended his condolences to Mbotela’s family, the media fraternity, and all who were touched by his work.
Mbotela, who had been unwell for some time, passed away on Friday at around 9:30 a.m., his family confirmed.
Born in 1940 in Freetown, Mombasa, to James and Aida Mbotela, he was the eldest of eight children. His illustrious journalism career began at Kenya Weekly News and the East African Standard before he joined the national broadcaster, KBC.
He was best known for his long-running radio and television program Je Huu Ni Ungwana?, which he created in 1966 and hosted for over five decades. The show became a cultural phenomenon, offering moral lessons and engaging discussions on social etiquette.
Mbotela is survived by his wife, Alice Mwikali, and their three children—Aida, Jimmy, and George Mbotela.
Kenya mourns the loss of a broadcasting legend whose voice will forever echo in the country’s history.
